The Pdq 34 is with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 32.6′, the Pdq 34 tops out around 7.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √32.6′ LWL = 7.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Comfort Ratio
7.7
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
3.66
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
7.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
13lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
7.7
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
3.66
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Pdq 34 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Contest 35S
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Pdq 34.
| Pdq 34 | Contest 35S | Freedom 35 Cat Ketch | Hallberg Rassy 352 | Maxi 35 | Witness 35 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 34.7 | 34.6 | 34.8 | 34.8 | 34.8 | 34.7 |
| LWL | 32.6 | 28.6 | 30.0 | 28.6 | 27.9 | 30.3 |
| Beam | 18.3 | 11.2 | 11.0 | 11.1 | 10.7 | 17.0 |
| Displacement | 8 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 11 |
| Ballast | — | 5 | — | 6 | 5 | — |
| Sail Area | — | 657 | 576 | 600 | 495 | 625 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 165 | — | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 19.0 | 17.6 | 16.0 | 15.4 | 19.7 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 42.3 | — | 44.8 | — | — |
| Comfort | 7.7 | 26.7 | 24.2 | 30.5 | 25.8 | — |
| Capsize | 3.66 | 1.90 | 1.93 | 1.81 | 1.88 | — |
| Hull Speed | 7.7 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.2 | 7.1 | — |